Worship Update 12/10

From Jay

First Priority
As someone who cares deeply about what happens on a Sunday and about protecting a space where you can come and connect with God, this weekend makes me lose sleep. All of us are waiting for some sort of announcement that, as I write this, we are not even sure is going to come and if it does we don’t know what it is. And no matter what it is it will be hard for everyone. Meanwhile we are in our second week of advent celebrating the “Joy” candle. That should be fun.

Sometimes when things are really hard we throw this verse around. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

I think what trips us up is our expectation of “for the good”. You and I can fill in “for the good” with whatever version of “good” that suits us. But the “good” was not a blank for us to fill. The “good” is defined in the next sentence…

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”
~ Romans 8:29

That’s the good work… that you and I would become like Jesus.

Does God want Sunset to succeed, and His name to be lifted up here? Yes, but that is secondary to His desire to shape the image of his Son in your heart and in mine.

And so whenever and whatever we find out together, and as your mind races with however you are prewired to react, remember that in these moments, God’s first priority is that you and I would become more like Jesus as a result.


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


Opportunities to Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsDecember 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

New Bible Study Begins in January
RECONCILED: Pursuing Relationship with Christ and Community is the title of our study starting after
the first of the year. Just as we did with Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians will be our book of focus for the whole
church study. Our research writing team has done an outstanding job of writing this study just for
Sunset. It’s designed that we all will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives individually and to the whole church at Sunset. Make plans now to be a part of this
intriguing study. For more info or to register click here.